For undergraduate courses in Texas Criminal Law
Criminal Law in the Lone Star State
Texas Criminal Law: Principles and Practices provides an in-depth review of Texas criminal law while highlighting how Texas legal sanctions differ from other states. Its state-specific focus on terminology and laws makes this an ideal text for readers planning to serve in the Texas criminal justice system.
The Second Edition uses historical references and inter-state comparisons to examine the Texas criminal law system in varied contexts. The book uses real world examples of the day-to-day application of laws by law enforcement to connect major concepts to their practical application in the field. A scholarly presentation is balanced by an informal tone, making Texas Criminal Law interesting and easily digestible for readers.
Jerry L. Dowling is Professor of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas. He has taught courses on criminal law, criminal procedure, and other law-based courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at SHSU for over 40 years. During the same period, he has conducted numerous legal training sessions for Texas peace officers, police chiefs, and sheriffs. He holds the Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the College of Law at the University of Tennessee. Prior to becoming a university teacher, Professor Dowling served as a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
PREFACE
CHAPTER 1 Foundations of Criminal Law
CHAPTER 2 Elements of a Crime
CHAPTER 3 The Criminal Law in Daily Practice
CHAPTER 4 Parties to Offenses
CHAPTER 5 Criminal Homicide
CHAPTER 6 Assault and Sexual Assault
CHAPTER 7 Kidnapping and Related Offenses
CHAPTER 8 Property Destruction Offenses
CHAPTER 9 Theft, Fraud, and Related Offenses
CHAPTER 10 Robbery
CHAPTER 11 Burglary and Criminal Trespass
CHAPTER 12 Offenses Against Government Operations
CHAPTER 13 Public Disorder, Indecency, Health, and Safety Offenses
CHAPTER 14 Preparatory Offenses and Organized Criminal Activity
CHAPTER 15 General Defenses and Justification
CHAPTER 16 Federal Criminal Law
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
APPENDIX A – Understanding the Texas Penal Code
APPENDIX B – Understanding and Briefing Court Opinions
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